Atletico Madrid are taking a rare trip to North American this summer, and their first destination will be San Francisco.

The San Jose Earthquakes announced on Monday that they’ll be hosting Atletico Madrid at Candlestick Park in a friendly match on July 27. Tickets for the match go on sale on May 20 and season ticket holders will be able to purchase tickets at a discounted rate in a pre-sale on May 12.

“This is a great opportunity for Bay Area soccer fans to watch their local team take on one of the premier clubs in the world,” Earthquakes president Dave Kaval said in a press release. “Hosting a UEFA Champions League semifinalist is a special experience. Earthquakes fans have some great games to look forward to this summer and this match adds to the list.”

The trip to Northern California is the first stop of two on Atleti’s North American tour. On July 30, they’ll face Club America at Estadio Azteca.

Atletico are currently leading La Liga by six points with three games to play, and are also in the running to win the UEFA Champions League. They’re lead by the Brazilian-born Spanish international forward Diego Costa, midfielder Koke, defender Miranda, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

This match will be one of the final events at Candlestick Park as the San Francisco 49ers open up Levi’s Stadium as their new home.

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What do you think of this news? Glad to see the Earthquakes book a big time friendly opponent? Do you plan on attending this match?

I’m wondering if the average person knows how good Atletico Madrid is. They’re not a sexy name and I’m guessing that a mid-table EPL team would outdraw them. Candlestick is huge and I’m not sure that Atletico and San Jose can fill it up.

the average fan is just that- average. The Bay Area is a hotbed of soccer fans from around the world- and even if they only pay attention to Barca or Real, then they know they’re in 2nd or 3rd. the last time Barca played here as a doubleheader w/ the Quakes they drew over 45k I believe.